Inspired or just plain foolish!

Jacqui said:
Monday, September 29, 2008 @ 5:48 PM

Well, our original plan was to bring the barest essentials and our original quote for removals was for 6 sq mtrs, in the end we brought 19sq mtrs and still have things we left behind and wished we'd brought. At the end of the day, this is now our home and to have so many of our possessions around us I think has helped us settle in better. The laptops and the main computer all travelled we and work fine, as do the tv's. I have al my pictures of the walls and photos as well as all my books as I am an avid reader and couldn't bear to part with them all - although I did sell a lot of ornaments and nick-nacks on e-bay. I feel we have de-cluttered but brought enough to feel we have our home with us. We did bring the dining suite which was new, 2 settee's which were leather and just worn in and our bed, which again was almost new - so when you put all that into a container, the rest was mainly boxes of clothes.

Looking back I am glad we brought what we did, but I do understand those that want a totally new start, with new stuff and a real opportunity to declutter - I just found that we weren't too good at it when the time came actually leave it all behind.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

Louise said:
Monday, September 29, 2008 @ 8:02 PM

I did exactly what you are thinking of doing and 'de-cluttered' our lives 3 years ago when we moved to Spain, we are now looking to move back to the UK and I wish I had just stored my surplus stuff as I really do miss some of my things.
There is no point in getting rid of Cd's,Book's or DVD's as they will all come in handy in the winter....

All electrical things work in the UK it is a falicy that they don't.

My advice would be too store and don't sell... and if you still like it in 5 years then get rid of your old stuff.

Louise said:
Monday, September 29, 2008 @ 8:03 PM

I did exactly what you are thinking of doing and 'de-cluttered' our lives 3 years ago when we moved to Spain, we are now looking to move back to the UK and I wish I had just stored my surplus stuff as I really do miss some of my things.
There is no point in getting rid of Cd's,Book's or DVD's as they will all come in handy in the winter....

All electrical things work in Spain it is a falicy that they don't.

My advice would be too store and don't sell... and if you still like it in 5 years then get rid of your old stuff.

Carol said:
Tuesday, September 30, 2008 @ 11:13 AM

We were in the same position not long ago. And have just returned from spain a month ago..having completed our purchase and moved 9 cu mt. of our belongings from the Uk..to our new home in the Costa Blanca. This was quite a lot... as we purchased the main items of furniture from the builders. (Beds, sofas, dining set etc.) So 9 cu mt.represented kitchenware...lamps..small appliances.. ornaments..accessories..pictures.. mirrors and items for our solarium. A plastic Shed we dismantled... patio set..chairs..hammock swing. And all of our TOOLs.

Most important..a ladder..and steps.

3 chest of drawers we decided to add at the last minute.. for storing towels/bedding etc..placed in our solarium annex. Well worth the effort.And a perfect fit. Very useful.

It cost us £900...but there is no doubt..to replace the 58 large boxes..containers.and crates we had.. ..would have cost much more.

We were very lucky...as we were the last in a group completing on our development..and others all warned us in advance..of how Expensive many things are in Spain..Especially plastic items ...like garden sheds..which can cost double or even more in many cases. And the choice on hand and quality of most goods..often doesn't match what we have in the UK.

Even for simple items like bedding..and kitchenware. Prices are very high...and choice limited.

We were advised to bring EVERYTHING that was useful. And everyone we spoke with..wished they had brought more from the Uk.

All general Electric goods, btw, do work in spain with simple adapter plugs. We brought our Microwave..kettle..iron..music systems..lighting..even our ceiling fans. bought for £27 at Homebase.

I am not sure of the situation with TVs' I know people who have taken them with them. But unsure if they had success. Ours is quite old so we didn't bother.

I hope this is of some help..and wish you all the best for your future in Spain. We hope to be living there permanently in a few months.

Stephen Holloway said:
Thursday, October 2, 2008 @ 11:17 PM

I have been offering a transport service and a one way self drive van hire service Uk Spain Uk for the last four years. In my experience it is a waste of money throwing perfectly good belongings. It is also a waste of money taking somthing you have'nt used in years 1400 mls not to use it again. You simply need to declutter which is the worst part of moving in my opinion. Thank heavens for charity shops.

Stephen Holloway said:
Thursday, October 2, 2008 @ 11:23 PM

I have been offering a transport service and a one way self drive van hire service Uk Spain Uk for the last four years.www.way2gohire.com. In my experience it is a waste of money throwing perfectly good belongings. It is also a waste of money taking somthing you have'nt used in years 1400 mls not to use it again. You simply need to declutter which is the worst part of moving in my opinion. Thank heavens for charity shops.